Russian Open Medical Journal · Published 2025-03-31 · DOI 10.15275/rusomj.2025.0103
Background — Healthy nutrition is crucial in preventing obesity and noncommunicable diseases, as well as for the physical growth and optimal health. This study investigates the factors influencing the choice of healthy snacks in primary school students of Southern Iran. Methods — Using proportional stratified random sampling, this cross-sectional (descriptive and analytical) study was performed on primary school students of Southern Iran. The data collection instrument included a questionnaire comprising demographic information, information on healthy snack consumption, and questions on individual, family, and social factors affecting healthy snack consumption. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS version 20 software. Results — A total of 388 students participated in the study; 57% were girls, approximately 55% were urban residents. The most significant predictors of healthy snack consumption were friends’ snack choice (β=-0.342), daily allowance size (β=-0.255), having a younger school-age sibling (β=-0.185), and being taught healthy food choices at school (β=0.176). Conclusion — Individual student preferences and the behavior of family members, peers, school administrators, and snack vendors can be effective in influencing healthy snack choices. Therefore, educational and non-educational interventions at the social level, especially at school, are needed.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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